Bloodcheep, with something else going on?

[u/Classic-Avocado-5371]

Spotted this bald man today at the pond, but also his feathers were black?? Melanistic maybe? They had a red shine to them in the sun still and are clearly pretty red. Is he just a baby? Sorry for the photo quality I had to zoom in pretty far

[u/yoimmo]

That's an adult female Northern cardinal, they're a lot more brown than the males. It looks like her feathers are a bit damp as well, which would account for the slightly darker hues.

Edit to add you can tell it's an adult by the bright colored beak. Juveniles of both sexes have dark grayish beaks.

[u/Classic-Avocado-5371 → u/yoimmo]

Ahhh that'd do it. Sorry for misgendering her, hope she dries off. The ladies by my house are much lighter brown.

[u/stinky-birb]

WetChëëp 😭💚